bound 1 of 5

noun (1)

Definition of boundnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency

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2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something colored outside the bounds of the drawing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bound

2 of 5

noun (2)

as in leap
an act of leaping into the air the kangaroo took one giant bound and was gone

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bound

3 of 5

verb (1)

1
as in to define
to mark the limits of the country is bounded by water on two sides

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2
as in to border
to serve as a border for being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality

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bound

4 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to hop
to move with a light springing step the child giggled and bounded off to play with her friends

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to leap
to propel oneself upward or forward into the air a rabbit bounded down the garden path

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bound

5 of 5

adjective

ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bound (audio)
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal I am bound and determined to write a novel before I turn 30

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bound
Noun
Once Christian McCaffrey caught a Brock Purdy pass, he got pushed out of bounds and to the ground by Greenlaw, then popped up and pushed Greenlaw back. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Alice, meanwhile, is wrestling with demons of her own, searching for solutions that feel impossible to reach within the bounds of what’s acceptable. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
Verb
The area, which centers on Duvan Drive, is bounded by Harlem Avenue to the east, Metra Rock Island railroad to the south and 175th Street to the north. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 The private sector’s growing role in security functions can deliver real value when properly bounded. — David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
The bound paper booklets in which students hand-write their responses to test questions have surged in popularity during the AI explosion. — Jamil Zaki, CNBC, 12 May 2026 The Dodgers’ split-squad group that journeyed the 14 miles from Glendale (and ultimately lost to Texas, 7-6) was largely a skeleton crew of Triple-A bound prospects and wannabes. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bound
  1. limit
  2. edge
  3. leap
  4. define
  5. border
  6. hop
  7. jump
  8. determined
Noun
  • Lichtenstein recommends supporting style exploration while still identifying realistic limits and slowing down big choices through compromise and open communication about why your teen wants to switch up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The team—engineers, policymakers, and operators—solves for that specific limit, and the boundary moves.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • The scientists used cutting-edge airborne laser scanning technology and found hundreds of previously unknown earthworks.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The great technological leaps in American history have often featured influential industrialists who step forward as vanguards, leading the way to a better tomorrow while emerging as major players in extreme endeavors.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To make that second-year leap, the 22-year-old put in extra work this offseason.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of leap
Verb
  • Write down the facts, define the next step, and keep the agreement practical.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The trigger is a loss-of-control scenario, which the bill defines as a system taking actions its developer did not intend, at a scale that risks catastrophic harm.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of define
Verb
  • And another four people were killed over the last 24 hours in the Russian region of Belgorod, which borders Ukraine, the region’s acting governor Alexandr Shuvayev said Monday.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Waterford Bay Apartments borders part of the woods where the encampment is set up.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of border
Verb
  • For many, discovering quaint antique shops is the impetus for hopping in the car and taking a leisurely drive.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • At the song’s core is Ferrell’s voice; powerful, emotive, hopping effortlessly to unexpected notes and corners.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hop
Verb
  • Prosecutors say after killing her children, Clancy cut her wrists and neck and jumped from a second-story window, leaving her partially paralyzed.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • On the fourth rep, Nixon jumped an out route and had a chance for an interception, but dropped it.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of jump
Adjective
  • Wilson described Solari as independent, determined and deeply committed to her animals.
    — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In an era when automakers seem determined to replace every knob and switch with a touchscreen command, even small dedicated controls deserve recognition.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of determined

Browse Nearby Words

bouncy
bound
boundaries
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Cite this Entry

“Bound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bound. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bound for Spanish Speakers

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